CASK conditioned ale will be flowing as part of the CAMRA Nantwich Beer Festival.

Suppliers of the country's best real ales will be offering their beers to sample as part of the event running alongside the Nantwich Food & Drink Festival.

Brewers from across the country will be setting up stall in Nantwich Civic Hall for a celebration of all that's best in beer.

Among the will be the Wrenbury-based Woodlands Brewery with an exclusive line of real ales made from a natural spring water, to a secret family recipe.

Owner Pete Skeaping recently commissioned a honey beer, known as Bees Knees - made from acacia honey from Hungary - and this speciality beer could soon be wetting the whistle of the Prime Minister himself as it's now on sale at the bar in the Houses of Parliament.

Although a relatively new brewer, Woodlands has made a name for itself with real ale experts. Its India Pale Ale reached the finals of CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain.

Pete bases the success of the brewery on the secret recipes devised by his dad, John.

Their ales are supplied mainly through wholesale, but can also be found at The Bhurtpore at Aston, the Railway Hotel in Nantwich, the Cotton Arms in Wrenbury and Grand Junction in Crewe.

The CAMRA Nantwich Beer Festival takes place at Nantwich Civic Hall, 5-11pm on Friday, 11am-11pm on Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday.

Entry is free before 5pm and £3 afterward.

Raise your glasses to some expert advice

EVERYONE'S favourite tipple will be on offer in the Eden-croft Fine Wine and Spirits Pavilion.

Specialists from some of the finest vineyards and distilleries round the world will be on hand to help visitors become drink connoisseurs over the festival weekend.

The pavilion will be offering more than 160 wines, whiskies, cognacs and champagnes from prestigious names such as Canard Duchne, Barossa Valley Estate, Bollinger and Tattinger.

Visitors can sample some of the finest wines, champagnes and spirits on offer and take part in tutored tastings in the Fine Wine & Spirit Theatre.

Sessions will include everything from the story of the grand journey from vine to glass, to pointers on noting clarity. Experts will also be on hand throughout the weekend with general advice and tips.

Mark Brookshaw, owner of Edencroft of Nantwich, said: 'We are delighted to be playing such a major part in the festival.

'Both the uninitiated and budding experts will be able to benefit from the wealth of top-class exhibitors in the marquee and learn to truly appreciate the products they are tasting.

'And there will be the opportunity to purchase what they like, direct from the seller, often at a discounted rate.'

The Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Pavilion will be located on Mill Island. It will open from 11am to 6pm, on Friday and Saturday, and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

Tutored tastings taking place daily in the Fine Wine & Spirit Theatre include those with Champagne Bollinger at noon, Hine Cognac at 2pm and Planeta Vineyards at 4pm.

Tickets for the Pavilion cost £15 and include unlimited sampling, regular tutored tastings and entry to the Marquee events.

They are available by calling the Festival Hotline on 01270 610983 or by visiting www. nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk